When 8 Degrees Plato opened in Ferndale on October 7, 2011, it filled a desperate niche for many of southeast Michigan’s craft beer lovers. As Michigan’s only strictly beer store – they don’t sell liquor or lottery – 8 Degrees exists to educate and indoctrinate its customers into the craft brewing universe. Owner Tim Costello spent 25 years on the road as a stand-up comic, and whenever he’d return home to Ann Arbor, he would invariably bring with him as many regional beers as he could find, to share with his family and friends. And from much sampling and experimentation (why can’t all of our homework be like that!) grew his love of craft beer and the genesis of an idea for a new business.